Mind Games

M I N D

GAMES

Mark Raymond Corrigan

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SMASHWORDS EDITION

MIND GAMES

Copyright© 2018 Mark R Corrigan

Cover Design & Interior Layout: Laura Shinn Designs

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Mind Games

This Novel is about the unlocking of the powers of the human mind. It takes place in the early 1960’s before the personal computer and before the idea of the internet was conceived. Back than the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee had one of the largest Computers in the country with the amazing memory of 64K. Even today the capacity of the largest computers in the world are dwarfed the magnitude of the human mind’s capabilities. Yet even most of brightest humans only used 10% of their minds. What could man accomplish, if we unlocked only a small part of that other 90% of the mind’s capacity? The answer to that possibility is found in the main characters of this Book who used their mind’s Extrasensory Perception capabilities to eliminate Nuclear Weapons from Outer Space.

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WHEN I WAS A CHILD, I SPAKE AS A CHILD. I UNDERSTOOD AS A CHILD. I THOUGHT AS A CHILD: BUT WHEN I BECAME A MAN, I PUT AWAY CHILDISH THINGS.

—1 CORINIHIANS: 1-3

Chapter One:

THE AWAKENING

There comes a moment in every one’s life that he puts away things of a child and excepts the position of a man with those things that would be the responsibilities of a man. That day came for me when I was seated in this huge stadium at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee along with some 13,000 other Freshmen during student Orientation.

After several people had informed us of the Rules and Regulations while you were attending this school, I could imagine similar introductions being held at all the Universities around the country. Our Orientation may not have been any different than most Universities and Colleges except for just one crazy looking Professor from the Psych Department. He claimed that he was working on a very large study to develop and establish the phenomenon commonly known as ESP or Extrasensory Perception.

Professor Rajae talked about what the program hoped to accomplish and his belief that there might be a dozen or more Freshmen students sitting in this stadium who had this capability. As some inducement in considering his special class he informed those freshmen that took his class would be worth three credit hours and could be applied towards any course requirements in any field of study and anyone who was selected for his course would be guaranteed a B and anyone who attended all the scheduled classes would be guaranteed an A

That didn’t sound too bad and it would give me an opportunity to meet some of the other students, especially the girls. My fantasies of a red blooded American college male had me believing that I could get lucky and have one of those nymphomaniacs with bedroom eyes, would fall madly in love with me. Hell, if you were going to dream you might as well dream big.

I realized by my distracting thoughts, I might have missed something as the Professor was now holding up a small crystal ball. I did pick up on the fact that this was a vacuum ball with a free spinning wheel inside it. He wanted us all to concentrate on the wheel inside the ball and make it go clockwise. He kept encouraging everyone to make the wheel spin. And low and be hold the damned wheel was spinning.

Then he ordered everyone to make the wheel go counter clockwise. This took a little longer as it took a lot of force to overcome the wheel’s momentum and then make the wheel go in the other direction. I watched the wheel spin faster and faster in the counterclockwise direction as I through Now that was totally far out.

Professor Rajae told everyone to remain in their seats as he had his assistants move to each of the stadium’s sections. As his assistants were taking their positions he explained that he wanted everyone in each section concentrate on making the wheel spin to see it there were any of the ESP people he was looking for in that section.

It could have been a time, consuming process if the Professor did not have dozens of helpers with their own crystal balls with a wheel inside it. His assistants would stand in the front of each section and ask them to make the wheel spin. If they did not find anyone who could spin the wheel that entire section was dismissed. Hugh blocks of students were being release and from where I sat there did not seem to be anyone left. What I was not seeing was if a section had a student who could make the wheel spin the assistants when from row to row to find that student with ESP capabilities. A second assistant with a crystal ball would make sure that there wasn’t another student was ESP capabilities in that section. The way they worked it appeared they were triangulating the source of a radio signal and with the additional assistants they would find the ESP Students.

When the assistants were working my section and they were already going row by row getting positive readings. Before I knew it one of the assistants had me stand up. That is a good one Terrie, but I am still getting another reading almost from the same location. The other assistant stated.

You are right it’s the student behind the gentleman. The assistant called Terrie stated. Now having been called a gentleman I had passed some investable bearer from being a punk kid into being a man and even a gentleman.

I was told to walk down and introduce myself to Professor Rajae. The person behind me was told to follow me and introduce herself to the Professor. As I turned around to see who it was, I found myself looking at a shapely pair of legs in a very short miniskirt. By eyes travel up her shapely body to her angelic face and I realized she was that knock down gorgeous strawberry blonde whose hair tumbled gently over her shoulders and cascaded down her back to her belt line. I had noticed her when she first come in and she had taken a seat by herself in several sections above me. She must have moved to join some of her friends. That was the only logical reason why she was sitting behind me.

I knew I couldn’t let this opportunity pass. Hi, I’m Michael O’Neil I said with my best smile.

Much to my surprise she smiled back at me. How do you do, Michael. I’m Sandy Summers. I should say Sandra Summers but that sounds too formal if you know what I mean? She said as she continued to smile.

Mike let Sandy proceed him down the steps and she turned her head over her shoulder and said, I saw you looking up my skirt back there.

Now there isn’t much you can do when you are caught in the act, except to admit it. And a fine view it was my girl. Mike stated in his best imitation of an Irish brogue he could muster.

My mother told me about boys like you. And the next thing you will be having me behind the Grandstand kissing and hugging as if we were long lost lovers. Sand stated as she smiled back flirting with him.

And why not? That sounds like a very nice idea. Mike said as he caught up with her and they walked to the platform the Professor was standing on.

Professor Rajae was a small man of maybe 5 feet six and close to 135 pounds with a bald head and black hair sticking out over his ears. He had a large handlebar mustache that was linked to his boot sideburns. His image was topped off by black framed glasses that looked as if they used the bottoms of coke bottles as a model.

Professor Rajae, I would like to introduce Miss Sandra Summers and my name is Michael O’Neil. Mike stated as offered his hand in greeting.

And what have you two been up to? As I can see that you both are blushing. We have rules about student fraternization here and everyone must follow them. Professor Rajae stated as if he was already their teacher.

Sandy and Mike looked at each other if the man was already reading their minds. Yes Sir. Mike responded. You caught us. I’ll clean the blackboards for a month and Sandy can sweep out the Classroom on every Tuesday night." Mike tossed the mental ball back into the Professor’s court.

Very good Mr.. O’Neil. I can see we are going to have an exciting time this year. Professor Rajae said rubbing his hands together and smiling as if it were just few moments before opening the Christmas presents.

As the other students came up to the platform to introduce themselves to Professor Rajae, Mick could see a worried look on their faces as they were wondering, what they had gotten themselves into?

Professor Rajae waited until they were all gathered around him before he spoke to them. Let me make this perfectly clear. This is a voluntary Class and you do not need to stay in it. You can leave any time and you will still be a B" for the Class as I told you would get if you were selected.

I do hope to make this Class so interesting that you will not have any thoughts of leaving us. One other thing I am a happily married man to the greatest woman I have ever known. We have been together 32 years now and it has come to the point that hardly need to talk with words to each other. We have the ability, to communicate with just our thoughts. We leave the words and touching to our very private times. I must admit there have been times I get so involved in my work that I miss her message about bring home a loaf of bread and milk for the cat. In those cases, we make sure we are communicating by using the telephone.

Now for some administrative details. Let me count how many ESP entries we have." The Professor stated, and he counted out loud until he reached the odd number of thirteen. Mike had a feeling the Professor was concerned about this odd number as he tried not to place any significance on it. Is there anyone here that does not want to be part of this study? Hearing none he asked each student to print their name of the Class roster.

All right when I call your name I want you to tell me how you would like to be addressed such as your first name or nickname. Then I want you to tell me your favorite color. From this point on you will go by the name you have chosen and the color you like best. I will start with Sandra Summers." The Professor said.

I would like to be called Sandy with my color, Blue’ just like the color of my eyes." Sandy stated.

Very good Sandy, Blue. The Professor responded.

Michael O’Neil? He called my name.

Mike and my color is bright yellow like the sunshine. I responded.

Next we have Henry Berger. The Professor stated

Henry and Gold. He said.

This was followed Elizabeth Gordan who asked to be call Liz and Green. Betty Anderson was known as Betty-Silver. Hannah Johnson was Hannah-Red. Claire Hill was Claire-White Andy Stevenson was Andy-Orange Frank Karth was Frank-Purple. Howard Schmidt was Hal-Brown. Richard Macy was Dick-Violet. Louis Green was Lou-Gray. William Bennet was Will-Orange and Steven Grant was Steve-Magenta."

I noticed that Steven Grant was not one of the students selected from the audience. However, before I could say something Professor Rajae stated. It’s good to see you Steve. Steve-Magenta was selected last semester, however he had to drop out of school for economic reasons.

With Steve our Class is up to seven pares and this the largest Class I have ever started with. I still have four pares or 8 students from my former Classes. You will be surprised to hear the stories that they can tell you. We have one pare get married last spring and they are still a happy pare. I am not suggesting that you will find your life’s partner as that is not the purpose of this study. Then again if understanding is your highest desired in a personal relationship then you may have come to the right place after all. Let me suggest that you keep your expectations low so when we exceed them you will be presently surprised. The Professor concluded.

I almost forgot, we will be meeting in the Psych Building’s Conference Room 1124 at 11 am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If any of you have a scheduling conflict on those days, the Administration will help you select another time to take that other Class. Do I have all your registration cards with your Class Names and Colors? I will need to record you in this Class with the school’s Administration Department. Professor Rajae told them.

Well this sounds like it could be fun. Mike stated to no one particularly, but Sandy took it to mean her.

I find it a little frightening. Much like traveling in outer space. Sandy commented

It sure does. Liz-Green replied.

This must be one of those Classes the US Government is funding. I have heard the Government is at a number of Universities and these Class are taught by CIA Agents. Henry-Gold told the group.

Man, that is really scary. Talk about Big Brother in 1984 where some professors who can hardly make a living and the Government is offering them Grants to study this or that. The question is, do the students have any say in what is being taught and by whom? I have heard there is a mind-altering drug that the CIA has put out in schools and universities called LSD and that’s not far from this idea of ESP. If you know what I mean? Dick-Violet spoke up.

I like Professor Rajae. I think he is a really, cool guy. I don’t think that he would be working for the CIA in a Class like this. Sandy-Blue stated. He would not have selected those students who could make that wheel spin if he was planning to test LSD on us.

That’s what makes him and the people like him so dangerous. Dick-Violet responded. He looks like a harmless old man. Those are the worse type as you do not expect them to deceive you.

"I think you all at nuts and you are letting your over active minds over rule good judgement and you are seeing a boggy man behind every tree. Remember Professor Rajae said you can leave the Class anytime you want to and that is good enough for me to trust him.’ Mike told them.

Time will tell and don’t forget that I told you so. Dick-Violet said standing his ground.

Do you expect everyone to write down everything you have said? Sandy asked him, and Dick turned a few shades of red or even his color of violet.

No, I am just saying that all this sounds a bit crazy and my daddy always told me to be careful when someone is giving you something for nothing like this guaranteed 3 Credit B". Dick defended himself.

"Let’s just hope Dick that you are wrong as I would hate to end up being an automaton.’ Sandy stated as she had enough of his negativism to last the rest of the week. They would not be starting any Classes until next Monday. The rest of this week would be devoted to further student Orientation programs offered to Freshman Students.

As our group started to break up I knew I better act fast to make a move on Sandy before she headed in another direction. Sandy have had lunch yet?

"Well no. What you have in mind? She asked.

I heard the restaurant across from the Administration building has excellent sandwiches unless you are looking for something more substantial? Mike replied.

A nice sandwich sounds good. She told him.

As they walked to the restaurant their conversations remained like and cheery as they asked each other about the classes they have already signed up for. Mike wanted to discuss his difficulty in taking ROTC to shoot on the University’s Rifle team. As they discussed his situation it boiled down to spending one hour a week on some Drill floor and he would be allowed to shoot all the ammunition that he wanted.

I can see that you are very excited about shooting for the Rifle team and you need to realize now important shooting is to you. You know that if you don’t like ROTC you can drop it and just put more of your time and energy into your other classes. Sandy told Mike

The restaurant Any Port in a Storm was full or students and it did not look as if they would be able to find a table or even a place along the Bar

One of the waiters approached them and asked, Just the two of you? Do you mind sharing a tablet?

Mike turned to Sandy who said Fine. They were seated at a small four place table inwhich a couple were already eating. Mike made a quick introduction which they all forgot in less 10 seconds

Here is the menu. The waiter said.

I know what I want. I would like a Tuna melt, please. Sandy told the waiter

And I would like a Ruben. Mike stated.

To drink? The waiter asked.

Coke?’ Mike asked Sandy who nodded. Two Cokes, Please." Mike added.

Tell me a little more about your shooting? Sandy asked.

I have been shooting since I was 10 years old and I have been shooting on a Civil War Rifle team since I was 14. Our team the Fifth Virginia Cavalry has been Regional Champions in both the Musket and Carbine Team matches. I have been very successful in the Individual matches placing within in the top three places most of the time to win the Grand aggerate Match This match is the total score of the Pistol targets, shot at 25 and 50 yards and your Carbine and Musket targets shot at 50 and 100 yards. Mike told her.

Are you shooting the same guns they shot during the Civil War? She asked.

"Yes, they are but there are some good reproductions that shoot as good if not better than the originals. You see a Rifled Musket after 100 years might no longer have a perfect bore and each blemish in the bore can cause your bullets to fly off the line of sight.

What most of our team has done, is buy an original Rifle Musket with the best possible bore we can find. These Rifled Muskets are very accurate. I have seen five shot groups that you could cover with a Fifty Cent peace at 50 yards. We also shoot 100 yards and the ten ring is ablaut the size of one of those clay pigeons that is normally shot in trap and skeet matches.

My father shoots Skeet with his shotguns He has been a State and Reginal Champion. He reloads his shells and he lets me help sometimes. I have also gone out shooting with him and he lets me shoot his 20 Gage Shotgun. The best I have ever done is 22 out of 25. She said.

That’s not bad. How many times have you gone shooting with your dad? Mike wanted to know.

I have only gone out a few times while I was still in High School but now that I am in Collage he has promised me that we will go shooting at least once a month and even more when we get ready for the State Matches.

That’s just great. Here I run into the girl of my dreams and she is already a shooter. Mike exclaimed.

You shouldn’t say such things. Sand said as she looked down blushing.

What, don’t you think it is unusual to find a woman who loves to shoot? Mike asked.

No. what I was talking about being ‘the Girl’ of your dreams. She said turning slightly red around her neck and the color rose up to fill her face.

I want you to know that I am serious when I said you are the woman of my dreams. You are five feet 7 inches tall, your weight is about 130 pounds, you have strawberry blonde hair and deep blue eyes that have captured me. Your body especially your legs could be used in nylon stocking adds. The rest of you I cannot find any fault with as you could easily be the centerfold for Playboy Magazine. Please correct me if I am wrong? You have a bustline close to 38 and a waist of less than 30 and hips of 36 inches. Mike told Sandy and she got even redder.

"Mike, you shouldn't say such things to a girl that your just met. I mean you are blowing me over.’ Sandy was trying to say.

Will am I wrong? He stated.

Okay I am 38 on the top, 29 in the middle and 36 on the hips. I weigh 134 pounds and I have been in gymnastics four years at school and my favorite events is the horse and the floor exercise. I also ride and show horses for my uncle in field competition.

Aha that explains your lovely legs. Mike told her

Do you really think I have lovely legs? Sandy asked him.

Honest Indian. Mike said with his three fingers raised just like the Indians did in the Movies.

Wow this has been a mind blower. Not only with that little Professor Rajae but with you who I find myself being unable to say ‘no’ to you. She said as she looked up into his eves. Are you for real? She asked.

I surely hope so as I would be extremely disappointed to find out that I have only been dreaming this. Mike told her.

You have me wondering if I am having a dream also. She stated before looking down

May I kiss you? Mike asked. If this is a dream we both will wake up. Mike concluded. He did not wait for her to answer as he leaned forward, and their lips barely touched. They both move closer and their kiss became sweeter than all the songs that have been sung since the beginning of time.

How long that kiss lasted was beyond what could be measured in earth time. When they both sat back in their chairs they were wondering if they had really experienced what just happened? The fact that they were looking at each other with a smile on their faces confirmed it had to be real.

Thank you, Lord. This is not a dream. Mike stated still holding her hand.

Oh, Mike I am glad I am sitting down as I don’t think I would be standing after that. Sandy said after taking a deep breathe

Don’t worry we have a life time to get use to each other. Mike told her.

You’re not asking me to marry you, are you? She asked him.

You have me thinking along those lines since you also took my, breathe the first time I saw you. Mike told her. Let’s just take it one day at a time for now, but I want to a sure you that I have honorable intentions.

"Okay I think? She asked herself slowly.

Let me make sure I have your address and phone number. Mike told her as he took out a piece of paper and put his name. address and phone on it. Than ripping it in half he gave it to her and ask if she would her address on phone number on it.

I have made up my mind about shooting on the Rifle team. If I must join the ROTC to shoot, I think it’s a bargain. He smiled as he picked up the check of the sandwiches and walked toward the cash register.

Thank you. Mike. Sandy said as they left the restaurant and she stopped on the sidewalk to look him in the eyes. Mike reach forward and put his hands on her waist. May I kiss you again? I can hardly believe that all this has happened.

Sandy bent forward and quickly kissed him on the cheek. That will have to do until we meet again. I need time to think about all this. Maybe you could call me tonight?

"Sure, what time would be best for you? Mike asked.

After 7 would be fine. She told him, and Mike stole another kiss before he was gone.

My mother is never going to believe this? Sandy thought as she watched Mike walking backwards down the sidewalk. What is he doing? Does he think I am going to disappear?

Chapter Two:

TESTING MY SHOOTING SKILLS

I really did not want to belong to the ROTC program but if an hour a week would allow me to shoot as much ammunition as I wanted it had to be worth it and I would be coming out with the best end of the deal. What I needed to find out was I could shoot these 22 Rifles well enough to make the team? I never shot in a 22 Rifle Match. However, shooting is shooting and I better fine out how good I needed to be?

Mike went to the ROTC Department to sign up for an ROTC Drill Period that would fit into his Class Schedule on Thursdays. When he found out the ROTC Department was using the National Guard Armory on North Capital Drive he wanted to sign up for a Drill Period when he was come in to the University or going home to the north side of Milwaukee.

That would save him a trip to the Armory between his Classes. Although he had an hour between his classes it would not be enough time for him the travel to the Armory for the next Drill Period. He needed two hours between Classes and his last Class was scheduled at the same time as the last Drill Period. Nothing but the First Drill Period fit into his Class Schedule.

After getting directions to the Rifle Range Mike went to the ROTC Rifle range and introduced himself to Sergeant Andrews who was the Rifle Team’s Coach. I told him I was interested in shooting on the University’s Rifle Team, but I had never shot in a 22 match.

Mike was given a shooting jacket, a glove and a rifle sling. When Sergeant Andrews was going to give Mike one of the Winchester Model 52 Rifles, Mike asked if he could select own rifle. Sergeant Andrews did not see why not? He pointed to the rifle rack and told Mike he could pick out any rifle he wanted.

Mike took down the first rifle in the rack and put it to his shoulder. It did not feel right, and he put it back. Mike tried a dozen rifles before he found the one that fit right when he held it to his shoulder. He walked to the firing line and dry-fired the rifle several times to confirm this was the rifle he wanted to shoot.

I like this one. Mike said.

All right, let me send down a prone target and you can zero your rifle. Sergeant Anderson told him.

I would rather zero in my rifle offhand or in the standing position. Mike stated.

Sergeant Anderson did not say anything when he put the target in the short target holder for the offhand position and sent it down range.

Sergeant Ellis had watched Mike select his rifle and now he was going to shoot offhand without a shooting jacket. Both Sergeants were sure that they were looking at a fool, maybe even a perfect fool.

Mike set up a spotting scope on a tall scope stand that would allow him to look at the target without moving out of his position. He tried to hold the rifle on target several times, but he could not find a natural position that he was comfortable in if he were shooting the rifle. Mike did not even attempt to shoot the rifle and he put it back in the rack.

Mike went through the next 5 Rifles which he had not even fired a shot. Number 6 was a charm as it just fell into position as if it were part of his body. Mike felt he could turn the rifle as if he were on a turn stile and found himself dead center on the sighting bullseye.

Mike loaded a single round and shot it with a very good trigger release. The shot was high right, but he did not adjust the sights and fired the second shot. No new holes appeared in the target and the way the rifle had fired, it should have been right on top of the other shot.

How many clicks on this sight is worth a minute of angle? Mike asked.

Both Sergeants had set up their own scopes, but Sargent Andrews spoke up. You should move your sight 12 clicks left and 25 clicks down.

Mike quietly counted off the clicks until he felt that he should be reasonably close to the center of the sighting target. Mike chambered another round of 22 Ammunition. He took up his position, lined up the sights and took a deep breath while he was taking up the slack on the trigger.

Each shooter had his own procedure before they squeezed the trigger. Many shooters would take three or four deep breathes and then take one and hold it while sighting and ultimately shooting the shot. There are those who take deep breaths and exhaled half of the air out before they shot.

Mike had a slightly different method of doing it. He would find his natural position on the target and take several deep breaths while he was taking up the slack on the trigger and then continue to take air in to keep his eyes supplied with fresh air, which would keep his eye sharp and focused. The eyes are the first organs of the body to be affected by the loss of oxygen. The worse part of the lack of oxygen is the shooter dose not even notice it when he was concentrating on shooting his shot.

When Mike shot his next round, it smacked into the target cutting the 10-ring. Mike can I see that rifle before you fire your next round? Sargent Andrews asked.

Sure. Mike said opening the bolt and he handed the rifle to him. Mike was sure he must have done something wrong but for the life of him he could not think of anything he could have done?

Sargent Ellis would you open the center drawer of the desk and pick out several front sights. Sargent Andrews told him.

Sargent Ellis did not say anything as he brought several front sight-inserts that would fit in the rifle’s Frond Sight holder. Sergeant Anderson showed Mike several of these disks and he asked Mike to pick out one that he felt would work best for him. Mike selected a sight with small hole in the center of a clear-plastic disk which would be about the same size of the target when he looked down his sights.

Suddenly shooting these 22 Rifles was not going to be as hard as he thought. He did feel a little embarrassed in having shot his target without a front sight. When he brought up his rifle he just turned around and looked at the two Sergeants who were looking through their shooting scopes. Mike fired three more shots in the sighting target eating out the center of the target.

Mike then shot one shot in each of the 10 scoring targets what were placed around the outside of the target When he rolled back the target he could see that he had missed two 10’s as his bullets had not cut half way into the 10-ring.

When Mike was shooting in the North South Skirmishing Association’s Matches his bullet had to be more than half way into the higher scoring ring to receive the higher score. There was no doubt that his shots had broken the ten-ring and he had shot seven x’s or perfectly centered shots on the target. Mike knew he need to say something about those two shots that may have gotten a get away from him.

I don't know what happened on those two rounds. He said pointing at in his target. I am going to say that I must have draped my arm just before I fired it." Mike told them.

What do you mean those two shots may have gotten away from you? Don’t you realize that you shot a perfect target for a score of 100-7xs in the offhand position? Sergeant Anderson stated as he held the target in his hands. I know people who cannot shoot this well in the Prone Position.

That son is the best shooting I have even seen. Sergeant Ellis stated. Did you know that the Pershing Rifles also has a Rifle Team which will shoot several matches as part of their Drill competitions. I think you need to talk to Colonel Thomas, Major O’Maria and the Perishing Rifles Cadet Captain Bartlet.

To be honest with you, the only reason why I am in ROTC is to shoot on the University’s Rifle and the Perishing Rifles Drill Period is the only one that will fit into my schedule. Mike told them as they both looked back and forth and then down at the target he had just shot.

Would you mind going to Colonel Thomas’ Office as I am sure that he will be most interested in seeing this target. Sergeant Ellis asked Mike.

Is this good shooting? Mike had to ask. I mean is this average or above average for new shooters in the ROTC Program?

Mike, this is way above average and in fact I would I would say this is a truly outstanding target. In all my years of shooting in the Army, I have only seen three competitors shoot a perfect score offhand in a Small-bore Rifle Match. Do you think you can shoot another target as good as this? Sargent Andrews asked him.

Mike got back up on the firing line and found his natural shooting position and he proceeded to shoot a 99-8x. When Sergeant Andrews scored the single nine shot hole he used a bullet hole plug that had a magnifying glass around it. This magnification would show if the shot cut the edge of the 10-ring.

When Sergeant Andrews looked at the bullet hole he was not sure. He needed a second opinion from Sergeant Ellis. Sergeant Ellis studied the bullet hole from all angles before he said. I can see a very fine black line between the bullet hole and the edge of the 10-ring and I would have to call it a ‘nine.’ Mike come here and see what I am talking about. Do you see that black line between your shot and the 10-ring?

Yes, Sergeant Ellis and I agree it is a nine. Mike stated.

The phone call from Sargent Andrews to Colonel Thomas started the rumor machine within the ROTC Detachment and it was running on high speed once the word that a new Freshman Mike O’Neil had just fired two record breaking targets offhand. The first, target was a perfect score of 100-7x and a second target was a 99-8x for a total off hand score of 199-15x.

The first man to greet Mike was the ROTC Detachment Commander Colonel Daniel Thomas. Come on in Mike. Is it all right to call you, Mike? Is that what your friends call you? Colonel Thomas asked.

Yes, Sir. Mike will be just fine. Mike said looking around the ROTC Detachment’s Headquarters. The walls and the glass display cabinets were full of awards and trophies. Seeing these awards Mike got the idea that this Colonel liked to win.

Sergeant Andrews presented the two offhand targets Mike had just shot to the Colonel. The Colonel looked at them as if they were huge playing cards as he shifted one over the other and then he held them out in the same position Mike had shot them.

Mike, this is finest shooting I have ever seen and I have served in several Commands where it was my duty to field winning Rifle Teams. Colonel Thomas Stated.

Yes Sir Mike responded not knowing what else to say.

I understand you only joined the ROTC program today, so you could shoot on the Rifle Team. I understand you shot these target without a shooting jack. I also heard that you shot a ‘10’ offhand without a front sight in the sight mount. The Colonel asked to confirm what he had been told.

"Yes, Sir. I thought this 22 shooting was going to be a lot tougher when I started to shoot at the sighting target. You can just see where I shot a double up here from the sighting target and then Sergeant Andrews gave me a sight adjustment and I shot that first ten in the sighting target.

Once he gave me a front sight for the Rifle I fired these three tens which took out the 10 and x rings. Once I felt comfortable about how the rifle was shooting I went around the other targets shooting only one shot in each. I thought I had shot two nines as what I have been shooting in the North-South Skirmish Association the bullet must be half or better into the next higher ring to receive the higher score.

On the second target I started rushing my shots. I was getting a little tired and I dropped that one shot into the 9-ring. It looked as if it might score a 10 but when they plugged the target it was clearly a nine." Mike informed the Colonel.

I would like to interduce you to Major O’Maria who is the Pershing Rifles Adviser. I am going to tell you that he and the Pershing Rifles Company Commander Cadet Captain Bartlet would like you to join the Pershing Rifles. Colonel Thomas stated. I believe Sargent Ellis has told you that the Pershing Rifles also has a Rifle team and will be going several Drill Meets where the Rifle Team will play a major part in who ends up winning the Competition.

"Sir, I already know Ron Bartlet He was several grades ahead of me at Sant Catherine’s Catholic Grade School. I don t know if he remembers me as I was a small guy back them.

Well isn’t it a small world. The Colonel spoke as if my experience with Cadet Captain Bartlet had been a good one almost blood brothers. I did not want to rain on his parade. I had never been impressed with Bartlet and he had no reason to even remember me.

The Colonel took Mike into his office where dozens of additional awards were hanging on the walls and placed in every space large enough to hold them. Major O’Maria and Cadet Captain Bartlet came into the Colonel’s Office and Major O’Maria spoke first.

"O’ Neil